Registered Dietician Denise Reynolds published an article today reviewing the findings of several studies over the past year that examined the nutritional habits of children with autism. Here were some of her conclusions:
• Children with autism tend to limit their intake to fewer than 20 different foods and are reluctant to try new foods
• Children with autism may be picky eaters for reasons other than flavor preferences, such as having an aversion to foods touching each other on a plate, having a desire for a specific eating utensil, or performing particular rituals at mealtimes
• Fruits and vegetables are likely to be eaten in lower amounts than recommended, and children with autism are more likely than typically developing children to not meet requirements for vitamins A, C, D and minerals zinc and calcium
You can read the original article here: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/picky-eating-common-autistic-children-may-be-nutritional-risk.html. To make sure your children are getting the nutrients they need, check out some of these resources from the CeDIR library:
The Everything guide to cooking for children with autism: from everyday meals to holiday treats: 200 tasty recipes your child will love to eat
Special-needs kids eat right: strategies to help kids on the autism spectrum focus, learn, and thrive
Just take a bite: easy, effective answers to food aversions and eating challenges
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